Lori Meadows
International students in the US may need a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) for tax-related purposes. Generally, international students are eligible to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) if they are employed in the US. However, if they are not eligible for an SSN or do not have any income to report, they may need to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The ITIN is issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and requires proof of identity and foreign status, such as a passport or visa. International students can coordinate with their university's international student office to collect, verify, and submit their ITIN application, which can take 7-11 weeks to process.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who needs an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) | International students and scholars who are not eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN) |
| Who does not need an ITIN | International students and scholars who are eligible for an SSN |
| Who is eligible for an SSN | International students and scholars in F-1, J-1, M-1, and Q-1 nonimmigrant status who are employed in the United States |
| How to apply for an ITIN | Submit Form W-7 or Form W-7 (SP) (in Spanish) to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) |
| What to submit with Form W-7 | Original documents such as a passport or a certified copy of the visa stamp with the date of first entrance to the US |
| Where to mail Form W-7 | Internal Revenue Service, Austin Service Center ITIN Operation, P.O. Box 149342, Austin, TX 78714-9342 |
| When to apply for an SSN | As soon as possible after arriving in the US |
| Where to report SSN | School registrar (for students) or the Employee Service Center (for employees) |
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What You'll Learn
- International students and scholars can apply for an SSN if they are employed in the US
- International students can apply for an ITIN if they are not eligible for an SSN
- International students with non-service scholarships, grants, or fellowships are eligible for an ITIN
- International students must submit their ITIN application to the IRS
- International students can use their passport or visa to apply for an ITIN
International students and scholars can apply for an SSN if they are employed in the US
International students and scholars can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) if they are employed in the US. An SSN is a 9-digit employee identification number issued by the US Social Security Administration (SSA). Eligibility for an SSN is based on a person's eligibility to work in the United States. US citizens, permanent residents, and qualified foreign nationals—including, in certain circumstances, students in F-1, J-1, M-1, or Q-1 non-immigrant status—are eligible for an SSN.
To apply for an SSN, international students must first obtain valid, unexpired Employment Authorization (EAD) from US Citizenship and Immigration Services. They can then submit a Social Security Letter Request to their international student office, which will issue a letter confirming their employment and student status. Students must have evidence of authorized employment to apply for an SSN and are required to do so if they have valid J-1 employment, including on-campus employment, unforeseen economic hardship employment, or J-1 Academic Training.
The application for an SSN can be filed in person at any SSA office, and applicants should be prepared to provide original documents proving their age, identity, and work-authorized immigration status. The SSA will review the documents, and applicants can expect to receive their SSN within 4-6 weeks, although processing times may vary. It is important to note that simply having an SSN does not grant legal authorization to work in the US, but if an individual has been authorized to work, they are required to apply for an SSN.
For international students who are ineligible to receive an SSN but receive non-wage income in the US (such as scholarships, grants, or interest on stocks), they must apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). This can be done by mailing Form W-7, a tax return, proof of identity, and foreign status documents to the Internal Revenue Service. The IRS's Interactive Tax Assistant tool can help determine eligibility for an ITIN, and additional resources are available through universities' international student offices.
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International students can apply for an ITIN if they are not eligible for an SSN
International students on F-1 visas are generally exempt from FICA taxes on wages earned from services performed in the US. However, international students may have to file a state tax return and pay state income tax, even when no federal return is due.
International students can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if they are not eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN). An ITIN is a tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to certain nonresident and resident aliens, their spouses, and dependents who cannot obtain an SSN.
To apply for an ITIN, individuals must have a valid tax reason, as outlined in Form W-7 instructions. They can then submit Form W-7, a tax return, proof of identity, and foreign status documents to the IRS. The IRS provides three options for applying:
- Mail the required documents to the Internal Revenue Service Austin Service Center ITIN Operation
- Apply in person using the services of an IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent
- Apply in person at a designated IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center
It is important to note that not all IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers process ITINs, so individuals should verify this before scheduling an appointment. Once an individual becomes eligible for an SSN, they must apply for one, and the IRS must be notified in writing.
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International students with non-service scholarships, grants, or fellowships are eligible for an ITIN
International students on F-1 visas are generally exempt from paying FICA taxes on wages earned from services performed in the US. However, they are still required to file tax forms annually with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
International students who are employed in the US are eligible to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). Those who are not working but have non-wage income to report on their taxes, such as taxable scholarships, grants, or fellowships, will need to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). This is also the case for international students who are not eligible for an SSN.
To apply for an ITIN, international students must mail their W-7, tax return, proof of identity, and foreign status documents to the IRS. They can also apply for an ITIN in person using the services of an IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent.
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International students must submit their ITIN application to the IRS
International students who are classified as nonresident aliens with no income from U.S. sources may not need to file a U.S. tax return. However, they are still required to file a Form 8843 with the IRS. International students who have earned an income during their stay in the U.S. will likely need to file a tax return.
International students who are not eligible to apply for a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN) or who do not meet the Social Security Administration's evidence requirements for an SSN may apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This can be done by submitting Form W-7 or Form W-7 (SP) (in Spanish) to the IRS. The form must be accompanied by the applicant's tax return, proof of identity, and foreign status documents. The IRS also accepts certified copies of original documents, which can be obtained from the issuing agency.
International students can apply for an ITIN by mail or in person. To apply by mail, applicants must send their completed Form W-7, tax return, proof of identity, and foreign status documents to the following address:
Internal Revenue Service
Austin Service Center ITIN Operation
P.O. Box 149342
Austin, TX 78714-9342
Alternatively, international students can apply for an ITIN in person by scheduling an appointment at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center or through a Certifying Acceptance Agent, either in the United States or abroad. This option eliminates the need to mail proof of identity and foreign status documents. However, not all IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers process ITINs, so it is important to verify this information before scheduling an appointment.
It is important to note that the IRS's Interactive Tax Assistant tool can be used to determine eligibility for applying for an ITIN. Additionally, international students should refer to IRS Publication 1915 for a detailed explanation of ITINs.
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International students can use their passport or visa to apply for an ITIN
International students on F-1 visas are required to file tax returns even if they did not earn any income during their stay in the US. While some international students can be considered 'residents' or 'resident aliens' for tax purposes, most are considered nonresidents and are only taxed on their US-sourced income.
International students who are employed in the US are eligible to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). Those who are not eligible for an SSN, or who do not meet the Social Security Administration's evidence requirements, may apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). An ITIN is a 9-digit number issued by the IRS for federal tax purposes to individuals who are required by law to file a US Individual Income Tax Return but do not have and are not eligible to obtain an SSN.
International students can apply for an ITIN by submitting Form W-7 or Form W-7 (SP) (in Spanish) to the IRS. They will also need to provide proof of identity and foreign status documents. It is not recommended that original passports and visas be sent to the IRS; instead, certified true copies of foreign passports can be obtained from US embassies abroad. Alternatively, students can apply for an ITIN in person using the services of an IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent, which does not require them to mail their proof of identity and foreign status documents.
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Frequently asked questions
An ITIN, or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, is a 9-digit number issued by the IRS for international students and scholars who are not eligible for an SSN.
You can apply for an ITIN by mailing Form W-7, along with proof of identity and foreign status documents, to the Internal Revenue Service. You can also apply for an ITIN in person using the services of an IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent.
No, you do not need an ITIN if you have an SSN or are eligible for an SSN. If you obtain an SSN after receiving an ITIN, you can no longer use your ITIN for tax-related purposes.
